This interview checklist will help you discover and plan successful strategies and techniques to aid you in making a powerful impression on your next job interview.

BE PREPARED.

Find out as much as possible about the client through your recruiter, newspapers, annual reports and websites. Your preparation will let a prospective employer know that you are motivated, hardworking and proactive.

HAVE ANSWERS FOR THE MOST COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS.

Practice your responses to such questions as, “What are your strongest skills?” and “Why would you like to work for this organization?” Don’t hesitate to interject your own ideas or insights. Successful interviews are the result of two-way conversations.

PREPARE SEVERAL QUESTIONS TO ASK.

Prepare a few good questions from the research you’ve conducted to demonstrate your interest in the organization and the position. Avoid questions where the answer is obvious or readily available, or when the topic has already been thoroughly discussed in the interview.

SELL YOURSELF.

Identify a few of your main attributes/skills or accomplishments and be prepared to talk about them in very specific terms. The strengths you focus on should be aligned with the traits the employer is seeking for the available position.

The first impression you make is critical. Remember, the product you are marketing is yourself and the first thing the employer sees when greeting you is your attire. Stand straight, make good eye contact, and connect with a good, firm handshake. That first impression can be a great beginning, or a quick ending to your interview.

ARRIVE EARLY.

Arrive 15 minutes early to allow for parking and to find your way around the building. You should also give yourself a few minutes to relax before the interview. Remember, your punctuality tells a prospective employer that you’re conscientious and dependable.

BE FRIENDLY, ENTHUSIASTIC AND POSITIVE.

Smile and say hello to company employees - support staff, often influence hiring decisions. And always maintain a positive attitude. Never talk negatively about prior employers or co-workers, regardless of your experience with them. A positive attitude shows that you’re a team player.

ASK FOR THE JOB.

Make sure to ask about the next step in the process – or even ask for the job – before the end of the interview. Asking a question such as, “Do my qualifications match the needs of your company?” gets right to the point and lets the interviewer know that you’re serious about employment.